News

Plans submitted for state-of-the-art Swindon Science Park

Acting on behalf of leading manufacturing and packaging supplier Wasdell Group, we have submitted a planning application for up to 82,188 sq m of science park facilities in Swindon.

We provided planning, environmental impact assessment, landscape and built heritage services for the high-quality, sustainable Swindon Science Park which will deliver cutting edge facilities for R&D and high-tech manufacturing, as well as meeting Wasdell Group’s own requirements to meet existing needs and allow for projected growth.

The proposed site for the Science Park is at Inlands Farm, Wanborough, 300 metres south of the New Eastern Villages strategic allocation and just north of junction 15 of the M4.

Swindon Science Park will boast low-density green spaces separated by footpaths, cycle ways and water features. Only 14 per cent of the park will be built area, with 86 per cent of the site given over to green sustainable landscaping, screening and planting of native British trees.

Designed by Oxford Architects, the buildings will be constructed using the latest technology and materials, with roof mounted solar panels to generate renewable energy and green sedum roofs to promote bio-diversity, air quality and rain water attenuation.

In the hybrid planning application, proposals for the first phase of Wasdell facilities have been submitted in detail for approval alongside an outline application for the wider science park and a second phase of facilities for the manufacturing firm. Plans submitted in outline will be supplemented by ‘reserved matters’ applications to determine additional details such as design and layout.

Speaking about the submission, head of planning for the south east, Peter Lawson, said:

“This facility will provide a major lift for Swindon and the surrounding area, providing jobs and boosting the local supply chain. We are thrilled to play our part in helping to deliver fantastic new opportunities for the local economy and people.”

Wasdell’s CEO, Martin Tedham, said:

“The Government recognises the crucial role that the life sciences industries must play in UK PLC, and there are considerable opportunities for our local and regional economy if as a town we embrace the life sciences and collaborate on R&D and investment.

“Our neighbours in Reading, Oxford, Bath and Bristol are already reaping substantial rewards through making the sciences an economic and employment priority.

“With the national research councils on our doorstep, and Heathrow less than an hour away, Swindon is perfectly placed to grow its hi-tech, science-based industries too.”

The land agents for Swindon Science Park are Webb Paton.

It is proposed that the first element of the Wasdell facility will become operational in 2021, with the remainder of Swindon Science Park becoming operational over the subsequent four years.